Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni: A Cozy Comfort Dish
As the chill of autumn settles in, there’s a special comfort that comes from a warm pasta dish. Imagine twirling tender rigatoni around your fork while enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce that dances with garlicky goodness. This Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather around the table and create memories with loved ones. A mix of golden steak pieces and rich, creamy sauce, this dish feels like a warm hug on a cool evening. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal that feels like it took hours to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With the combination of creamy sauce and savory steak, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
- Comfort Food at its Best: Rich, creamy, and utterly delicious, this rigatoni offers the ideal cozy vibe.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters, this dish highlights flavors everyone can enjoy while keeping things simple.
- Customizable and Versatile: It’s an easy recipe to adapt with your favorite veggies or seasonings, making it perfect for any palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked to your liking, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and steak back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Veggie Delight: Add in some fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. The bright veggies will complement the creamy sauce beautifully!
- Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an added bite that’ll awaken your taste buds.
- Mushroom Medley: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy flavor that adds depth to your creamy sauce.
- Cheesy Indulgence: Experiment with different cheeses! A mix of mozzarella or fontina will create an even more indulgent, creamy texture.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the steak and sauce a day in advance. Just reheat gently before adding the cooked rigatoni.
- Store Your Leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Slicing Steaks: For tender bites, always slice against the grain. It makes a world of difference in tenderness when chewing!
- Creamy Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of pasta water can help loosen it up without losing flavor.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approximately 750
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 49g
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! The steak and sauce can be prepared the day before and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! This dish is versatile—feel free to substitute with different cuts of beef or even try chicken for a lighter option.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining rigatoni in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
This meal can keep in the fridge for about 3 days and freezes well for up to a month.
Wrapping It Up
This Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni not only fills your tummy but also warms your heart. It’s a dish that whispers home, belonging, and togetherness, perfect for those chilly nights we all adore. As you gather around the table with your loved ones, take in the rich aromas and the lovely conversations that follow. Save this Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Steak Rigatoni
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting pasta dish featuring tender rigatoni enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with savory steak.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked to your liking, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the minced garlic; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked rigatoni and steak back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a veggie addition, consider adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. You can also use different cuts of meat or even chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 49g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Creamy Pasta, Steak Pasta, Comfort Food, Italian Dish, Weeknight Dinner, Easy Recipe